In March 2023, Aer opened its second US brick-and-mortar store within a historic corner site in New York City. This marks Figure’s second collaboration with the San Francisco-based backpack and luggage brand.
As a means in highlighting the products, the design intervention relies on being a background, framing element. In this iteration, Figure developed a modular set of semi-reflective stepped furniture pieces that frames the perimeter of the store and maximizes merchandise display. In a historic rehabilitation where no corner is 90 degrees and no wall is plumb, the millwork elements help absorb these various existing conditions.
The two-tone material palette of satin aluminum and recycled gray rubber reflects light throughout the day, while providing soft and durable display surfaces. At the center of the shop, a rubber clad display table becomes the place for product interaction and sales.
Location: New York, NY
Client: Aer
Year: 2023-24
Type: Retail
Size: 1,000 sf
Status: Built
Team: Figure (Architect) with Vincent Lai, Sohome (Contractor), and Pedemonte Woodworking (Millworker)